Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "All" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "all", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ぜんいん
ぜんいん (zen'in)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
こぞって
こぞって (kozotte)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "all" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ぜんいん and こぞって.
In Japanese, ぜんいん (ぜんいん (zen'in)) is typically associated with "all members, everyone" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes that every single person in a group or specific context is included. 「全員参加」.
On the other hand, こぞって (こぞって (kozotte)) maps to "all together; everyone (without exception)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Indicates that all members of a group did something collectively, often with enthusiasm or unity. It implies 'without exception'.. A literal translation of "all" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ぜんいん"
会議室に全員集まってください。
Please gather everyone in the meeting room.
Bilingual Context for "こぞって"
クラスメートがこぞって彼の誕生日を祝った。
All the classmates celebrated his birthday together.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議室に全員集まってください。" (Meaning: "Please gather everyone in the meeting room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ぜんいん" fits here because it means "all members, everyone" in the context of: "Please gather everyone in the meeting room.". "こぞって" represents "all together; everyone (without exception)".